Cleaners

This profile is based on interviews with those working in the field across Canada and confirmed by consulting with industry experts across the country.

This profile includes Light Duty Cleaners, Specialized Cleaners and Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents.

Light duty cleaners clean

• lobbies
• hallways
• offices
• rooms of hotels, motels, resorts
• hospitals
• schools
• office and other buildings
• private homes

They are employed by hotels, motels, resorts, recreational facilities, hospitals and other institutions, building management companies, cleaning service companies and private individuals.

Specialized cleaners use specific equipment and skills to clean and restore

• building exteriors
• carpets
• chimneys
• industrial equipment
• ventilation systems
• windows
• other surfaces

They are employed by specialized cleaning service companies or they may be self-employed.

Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain

• the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their grounds

They are employed by

• office and apartment building management companies
• school boards
• hospitals
• other institutions
• recreational and shopping facilities
• industrial and other establishments

Building superintendents employed in large buildings take care of the running of the building and may also supervise other workers.

Cleaners must be able to

• stand
• walk
• bend
• stoop
• kneel
• crouch

The cleaners interviewed felt that cleaners should

• take pride in their work
• show respect for people’s property
• be polite and friendly

• Communication
• Thinking Skills – Problem Solving

More training may be needed to because of more advanced cleaning equipment and chemicals.

Some specialized cleaners may need to be certified to prove they have the skills needed.

Customer service is becoming more important because of competition from other cleaners. This will increase the need for better communication and teamwork.